Proper 18
Preaching
Lectionary Preaching Workbook
Series IV
It is obvious that this pericope was chosen because of its
close relation in content with Lesson 2 which cries out against
the unjust treatment of the poor. The most precious value of life
is a good name which should be desired more than wealth. Yet, the
rich are not to be condemned, for they, too, have been created by
God. The person who shares what he has with those who have little
is promised God's blessing.
Lesson 2: James 2:1-10 (11-13) 14-17
The passage condemns the showing of partiality to the rich and
the humiliation of the poor. (vv. 1-5) Because it is a violation
of the law of love, partiality is a sin. (vv. 8-10) Verses 14-18
refer to faith as intellectual assent only which does not issue
in deeds of compassion. True faith expresses itself in deeds of
love. This harmonizes with Paul's teaching that faith works
through love. Faith and works are inseparable.
Gospel: Mark 7:24-37 (C)
When Jesus returns from his trip to Tyre, a man with deafness
and a speech difficulty is brought to Jesus. The method of
healing is touching -- Jesus put his finger in the man's ears and
touched his tongue. Jesus looked to heaven in prayer for power to
heal. He sighed -- a sigh of compassion or weariness? The miracle
was performed privately and he asked for silence about it. But
the people were so impressed that they could not remain silent.
They gave Jesus an evaluation: "He has done all things well."
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 125 (C) -- "Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount
Zion." (v. 1)
Psalm 146 (E, L)
Prayer Of The Day
"Almighty and eternal God, you know our problems and our
weaknesses better than we ourselves. In your love and by your
power help us in our confusion and, in spite of our weakness,
make us firm in faith."
Hymn Of The Day
"O Son Of God, In Galilee"
THEOLOGICAL REFLECTIONS
Gospel: Mark 7:24-37 (C)
1. Brought (v. 32). It is significant that many who were
healed came not on their own but they were brought to Jesus for
healing. In this case, the man needed someone to take him to
Jesus because he was deaf and could not speak plainly. How was he
to get Jesus to
240
understand his need and to make his appeal? In our time, people
need to be brought to Jesus. How can this be done? We bring our
children to Jesus when we bring them for baptism. Evangelism is
the program in which members bring the unchurched to Christ. In
prayer we can take the needy to Christ for help.
2. Hand (v. 32). When friends brought the deaf man for
healing, all they asked of Jesus was that he lay his hand upon
him. After the healing, the man could say, "He touched me."
Indeed, Jesus touched the man by putting his finger in his ears
and touched his tongue. Here is a case where healing took place
by touch rather than by the usual "word." There is a ministry of
touch. It is non-verbal communication of acceptance and caring.
By physical touch the healing power of Christ goes from him to
the needy person.
3. Privately (v. 33). There was a big crowd present for the
healing. Here was Jesus' opportunity to get favorable publicity.
Yet, he shunned it by taking the man away from the crowd to heal
him. Later Jesus demanded that they tell no one of the miracle.
Why the secrecy? Jesus did not want people to follow him because
of his miraculous power. Although he was concerned about people's
physical needs, he was more concerned about their spiritual
needs. Moreover, Jesus wanted the people to see that he came to
suffer and die for the sin of the world, and this could not be
revealed at this time.
4. Opened (vv. 34, 35). They remembered Jesus' original word
in Aramaic, Ephphatha -- "Be opened." In answer to that command,
the man's ears were opened, his tongue was freed. To be opened is
to be freed, released and liberated. We are bound tightly
together by sin, Satan and our fears, tensions and anxieties.
Christ relaxes us, frees us from fear and we are opened to health
and salvation.
Lesson 1: Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23 (C)
1. Better (v. 1). What is better than the world's best? The
world considers gold and silver as the best to be acquired and
the more the better! This proverb points out that there is
something better than wealth. It is a good name, a good
reputation based on character and integrity. Also, it is favor --
favor above all with God and people. These values are more
precious than gold. They bring happiness and satisfaction that
wealth cannot purchase. The best way to have a "good name" is to
be known as a follower of Jesus whose name is above all other
names.
2. Rich (v. 2). This verse will not allow us to condemn the
rich for being rich. It is customary, especially if you are poor,
to envy, curse and condemn those who are affluent. The rich are
not products of Satan, but are creatures of God. God made both
the rich and the poor. The rich need not feel guilty because they
happen to be rich. It is not wealth that is a sin but the misuse
of wealth. If the rich oppress the poor and refuse to share, they
will be judged by God. The wealthy have an opportunity to use
their riches to bless humanity with their gifts and endowments.
3. Eye (v. 9). The person with a bountiful eye is blessed by
God because he shares with the poor. The center of a blessed life
of sharing is the eye of a person. We do not share because we do
not have eyes to see the need and misery and the social and moral
consequences of poverty. Some do not want to see the slums and
ghettos; they avoid going into those areas of a city. If they saw
the situation, the rich would be moved to help the dispossessed.
But, it is not only seeing the horrible conditions, but seeing
with "bountiful" eyes. This implies a generous heart which feels
compassion to the extent of sharing.
Lesson 2: James 2:1-10 (11-13), 14-17 (C)
1. Partiality (v. 1). The early Christians were showing
partiality to the rich when they came to worship. This is
contrary to godly living, for God shows no partiality. Moreover,
partiality shows that we are judging people by false standards --
the standard of material possessions. We court the favor of the
rich in the hope of gaining some benefit -- maybe a gift for the
church or some personal favor. The sin still goes on: Christians
show partiality according to sex, creed, race and social status.
241
2. Profit (vv. 14, 16). We are profit-oriented. We keep
asking, "What will we get out of it?" What is there to gain?
James asks what good is it to have faith but not works. If a
needy person is given only empty words and not physical help,
what good will the words do? The Christian faith must be of some
value, some help to others. Otherwise, it is a useless,
profitless religious experience.
3. Show (v. 18). Faith and works cannot be separated. Genuine
faith always works in love. We act according to what we believe
in. The more deeply we believe, the more zealous and determined
we are to do something about what we believe in. If we believe in
a candidate, we will vote for him. If we believe a business is
sound, we buy stock in it. If we believe in the church, we will
support it. If we believe in God, we will obey him in loving our
neighbor.
PREACHING POSSIBILITIES
Gospel: Mark 7:24-37 (C)
1. Do touch me! 7:32-33
Need: In this instance Jesus used touching to heal. He was
asked to lay his hand upon the man, for those who brought him
knew that healing was in his touch. Usually Jesus healed by
speaking only a word. Here he used touch because it was the only
way to communicate with a deaf person. Jesus put his finger in
his ears and in his mouth. These were the places that needed
healing. There is a growing ministry of touch: "Have you hugged
your child today?" Men greet women with a kiss and often men
embrace each other with a hug. A popular sacred song is "He
Touched Me." A telephone commercial says, "Reach out and touch
someone." As a little Christ, lay your hand upon someone today.
Outline: In this passage we learn --
a. The need to touch -- v. 32. Touch is a means of
communion. Compare Anne Sullivan and Helen Keller. A touch
signifies acceptance, love and help.
b. The result of touching -- v. 33. Health -- a release of
tensions and stress.
2. Release me and let me live again? 7:33-35
Need: A man wanting a divorce sings, "Release me and let me
love again." A person in bondage to fears, anxieties and worries
cries out for release that he may live again. Openness is
emphasized in this Gospel Lesson. Jesus said to the man,
Ephphatha, "Be opened." Then his ears were opened to sound and
his mouth was opened that he might speak plainly. His may be a
psychosomatic reaction. When we get tense and live under stress,
when we get tied up in knots from fear and worry, our bodies
close up and we get physical difficulties: hypertension, heart
trouble, skin irritations, ulcers, etc. When we get touched by
Christ, we can relax, for he takes away our hangups.
Outline: Be opened --
a. Open your mind to truth.
b. Open your heart to love.
3. Why did he sigh? 7:34
Need: After he touched the deaf man, he looked to heaven in
prayer and then Jesus sighed. What does the sigh mean? Why do we
sigh? Are we reluctant to help, or out of patience, or weary?
Does Jesus sigh today when we come to him for help?
Outline: Why did Jesus sigh?
a. Tired and weary from ministry?
b. Amazed that people can get themselves in this condition?
c. Overcome with sympathy for the afflicted?
Lesson 1: Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23 (C)
1. God-made rich people. 22:2
Need: Because there are comparatively few millionaires in our
land, the less fortunate have a tendency to disparage the rich.
Often they are referred to as "the filthy rich." Yet,
242
God does not cross the rich off his list because they have money,
for he is their "maker." They are his creatures and hopefully
also his children. It is not wealth but the attainment and use of
wealth that may be sinful. A Christian can be rich with good
conscience when wealth is used responsibly as an opportunity to
serve.
Outline: For the rich to be God's people --
a. They share with the less fortunate.
b. They build institutions: schools, libraries, hospitals,
churches.
c. They establish foundations for public service.
2. Something more precious than gold. 22:1
Need: What could be more precious than gold and silver? The
world considers money to be the top value. To get dollars people
are willing to cheat, steal, murder, bribe and gamble. The life
ambition of many is to become a millionaire. We are always
looking for investments that pay the highest returns. Of course,
we all need "bread" and the necessities and comforts of life. It
is carrying the need to the extreme where the sin begins. When is
enough enough? Our text tells us that there is a value far more
important than physical assets.
Outline: What is worth more than gold --
a. A good name -- v. 1.
b. Favor of God and people -- v. 1.
Lesson 2: James 2:1-10 (11-13), 14-17 (C)
1. A faith that cannot save. 2:14-17
Need: This title may shock people if it is publicized.
Protestants are sure that we are saved by faith alone. It depends
on what is meant by faith. James is writing about a faith
different from Paul's concept of faith. There is a kind of faith
that cannot save. Many pastors have a suspicion that some of
their members have the faith that cannot save. What kind of faith
is it?
Outline: The faith that cannot save --
a. A faith without works -- v. 14.
b. A faith that is dead -- v. 17.
2. A sacred conjunction: And. 2:18
Need: For centuries there has been a running battle between
faith and works. There have been two camps opposing each other on
which of the two can save a sinner. It is not a matter of one or
the other. It is both faith and works. This is not a medieval
Catholic teaching, but rather that faith produces work. Faith is
the source of works, but faith which does not produce is a dead
faith. This is what Jesus is saying in verse 18.
Outline: The key to the problem is "And."
a. Not by faith alone -- intellectual, academic, cerebral.
b. Not by works alone -- humanism, works, righteousness.
c. But by works And faith -- faith works through love.
3. Faith has no favorites! 2:1
Need: James calls our attention to a universal problem that
exists both in the world and in the church, except that it should
not be in the church because of our faith. The rich, powerful and
the popular are given special attention and privileges as VIPs.
The poor, humble, simple, plain people are ignored. While we can
tolerate it in the world, it is disgusting in the church. This
sermon is needed to help break down the partiality shown in our
churches.
Outline: Faith has no favorites because --
a. Faith sees a God of no partiality.
b. Faith sees all persons as equal before God.
c. Faith is expressed in love for all.
243
close relation in content with Lesson 2 which cries out against
the unjust treatment of the poor. The most precious value of life
is a good name which should be desired more than wealth. Yet, the
rich are not to be condemned, for they, too, have been created by
God. The person who shares what he has with those who have little
is promised God's blessing.
Lesson 2: James 2:1-10 (11-13) 14-17
The passage condemns the showing of partiality to the rich and
the humiliation of the poor. (vv. 1-5) Because it is a violation
of the law of love, partiality is a sin. (vv. 8-10) Verses 14-18
refer to faith as intellectual assent only which does not issue
in deeds of compassion. True faith expresses itself in deeds of
love. This harmonizes with Paul's teaching that faith works
through love. Faith and works are inseparable.
Gospel: Mark 7:24-37 (C)
When Jesus returns from his trip to Tyre, a man with deafness
and a speech difficulty is brought to Jesus. The method of
healing is touching -- Jesus put his finger in the man's ears and
touched his tongue. Jesus looked to heaven in prayer for power to
heal. He sighed -- a sigh of compassion or weariness? The miracle
was performed privately and he asked for silence about it. But
the people were so impressed that they could not remain silent.
They gave Jesus an evaluation: "He has done all things well."
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 125 (C) -- "Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount
Zion." (v. 1)
Psalm 146 (E, L)
Prayer Of The Day
"Almighty and eternal God, you know our problems and our
weaknesses better than we ourselves. In your love and by your
power help us in our confusion and, in spite of our weakness,
make us firm in faith."
Hymn Of The Day
"O Son Of God, In Galilee"
THEOLOGICAL REFLECTIONS
Gospel: Mark 7:24-37 (C)
1. Brought (v. 32). It is significant that many who were
healed came not on their own but they were brought to Jesus for
healing. In this case, the man needed someone to take him to
Jesus because he was deaf and could not speak plainly. How was he
to get Jesus to
240
understand his need and to make his appeal? In our time, people
need to be brought to Jesus. How can this be done? We bring our
children to Jesus when we bring them for baptism. Evangelism is
the program in which members bring the unchurched to Christ. In
prayer we can take the needy to Christ for help.
2. Hand (v. 32). When friends brought the deaf man for
healing, all they asked of Jesus was that he lay his hand upon
him. After the healing, the man could say, "He touched me."
Indeed, Jesus touched the man by putting his finger in his ears
and touched his tongue. Here is a case where healing took place
by touch rather than by the usual "word." There is a ministry of
touch. It is non-verbal communication of acceptance and caring.
By physical touch the healing power of Christ goes from him to
the needy person.
3. Privately (v. 33). There was a big crowd present for the
healing. Here was Jesus' opportunity to get favorable publicity.
Yet, he shunned it by taking the man away from the crowd to heal
him. Later Jesus demanded that they tell no one of the miracle.
Why the secrecy? Jesus did not want people to follow him because
of his miraculous power. Although he was concerned about people's
physical needs, he was more concerned about their spiritual
needs. Moreover, Jesus wanted the people to see that he came to
suffer and die for the sin of the world, and this could not be
revealed at this time.
4. Opened (vv. 34, 35). They remembered Jesus' original word
in Aramaic, Ephphatha -- "Be opened." In answer to that command,
the man's ears were opened, his tongue was freed. To be opened is
to be freed, released and liberated. We are bound tightly
together by sin, Satan and our fears, tensions and anxieties.
Christ relaxes us, frees us from fear and we are opened to health
and salvation.
Lesson 1: Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23 (C)
1. Better (v. 1). What is better than the world's best? The
world considers gold and silver as the best to be acquired and
the more the better! This proverb points out that there is
something better than wealth. It is a good name, a good
reputation based on character and integrity. Also, it is favor --
favor above all with God and people. These values are more
precious than gold. They bring happiness and satisfaction that
wealth cannot purchase. The best way to have a "good name" is to
be known as a follower of Jesus whose name is above all other
names.
2. Rich (v. 2). This verse will not allow us to condemn the
rich for being rich. It is customary, especially if you are poor,
to envy, curse and condemn those who are affluent. The rich are
not products of Satan, but are creatures of God. God made both
the rich and the poor. The rich need not feel guilty because they
happen to be rich. It is not wealth that is a sin but the misuse
of wealth. If the rich oppress the poor and refuse to share, they
will be judged by God. The wealthy have an opportunity to use
their riches to bless humanity with their gifts and endowments.
3. Eye (v. 9). The person with a bountiful eye is blessed by
God because he shares with the poor. The center of a blessed life
of sharing is the eye of a person. We do not share because we do
not have eyes to see the need and misery and the social and moral
consequences of poverty. Some do not want to see the slums and
ghettos; they avoid going into those areas of a city. If they saw
the situation, the rich would be moved to help the dispossessed.
But, it is not only seeing the horrible conditions, but seeing
with "bountiful" eyes. This implies a generous heart which feels
compassion to the extent of sharing.
Lesson 2: James 2:1-10 (11-13), 14-17 (C)
1. Partiality (v. 1). The early Christians were showing
partiality to the rich when they came to worship. This is
contrary to godly living, for God shows no partiality. Moreover,
partiality shows that we are judging people by false standards --
the standard of material possessions. We court the favor of the
rich in the hope of gaining some benefit -- maybe a gift for the
church or some personal favor. The sin still goes on: Christians
show partiality according to sex, creed, race and social status.
241
2. Profit (vv. 14, 16). We are profit-oriented. We keep
asking, "What will we get out of it?" What is there to gain?
James asks what good is it to have faith but not works. If a
needy person is given only empty words and not physical help,
what good will the words do? The Christian faith must be of some
value, some help to others. Otherwise, it is a useless,
profitless religious experience.
3. Show (v. 18). Faith and works cannot be separated. Genuine
faith always works in love. We act according to what we believe
in. The more deeply we believe, the more zealous and determined
we are to do something about what we believe in. If we believe in
a candidate, we will vote for him. If we believe a business is
sound, we buy stock in it. If we believe in the church, we will
support it. If we believe in God, we will obey him in loving our
neighbor.
PREACHING POSSIBILITIES
Gospel: Mark 7:24-37 (C)
1. Do touch me! 7:32-33
Need: In this instance Jesus used touching to heal. He was
asked to lay his hand upon the man, for those who brought him
knew that healing was in his touch. Usually Jesus healed by
speaking only a word. Here he used touch because it was the only
way to communicate with a deaf person. Jesus put his finger in
his ears and in his mouth. These were the places that needed
healing. There is a growing ministry of touch: "Have you hugged
your child today?" Men greet women with a kiss and often men
embrace each other with a hug. A popular sacred song is "He
Touched Me." A telephone commercial says, "Reach out and touch
someone." As a little Christ, lay your hand upon someone today.
Outline: In this passage we learn --
a. The need to touch -- v. 32. Touch is a means of
communion. Compare Anne Sullivan and Helen Keller. A touch
signifies acceptance, love and help.
b. The result of touching -- v. 33. Health -- a release of
tensions and stress.
2. Release me and let me live again? 7:33-35
Need: A man wanting a divorce sings, "Release me and let me
love again." A person in bondage to fears, anxieties and worries
cries out for release that he may live again. Openness is
emphasized in this Gospel Lesson. Jesus said to the man,
Ephphatha, "Be opened." Then his ears were opened to sound and
his mouth was opened that he might speak plainly. His may be a
psychosomatic reaction. When we get tense and live under stress,
when we get tied up in knots from fear and worry, our bodies
close up and we get physical difficulties: hypertension, heart
trouble, skin irritations, ulcers, etc. When we get touched by
Christ, we can relax, for he takes away our hangups.
Outline: Be opened --
a. Open your mind to truth.
b. Open your heart to love.
3. Why did he sigh? 7:34
Need: After he touched the deaf man, he looked to heaven in
prayer and then Jesus sighed. What does the sigh mean? Why do we
sigh? Are we reluctant to help, or out of patience, or weary?
Does Jesus sigh today when we come to him for help?
Outline: Why did Jesus sigh?
a. Tired and weary from ministry?
b. Amazed that people can get themselves in this condition?
c. Overcome with sympathy for the afflicted?
Lesson 1: Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23 (C)
1. God-made rich people. 22:2
Need: Because there are comparatively few millionaires in our
land, the less fortunate have a tendency to disparage the rich.
Often they are referred to as "the filthy rich." Yet,
242
God does not cross the rich off his list because they have money,
for he is their "maker." They are his creatures and hopefully
also his children. It is not wealth but the attainment and use of
wealth that may be sinful. A Christian can be rich with good
conscience when wealth is used responsibly as an opportunity to
serve.
Outline: For the rich to be God's people --
a. They share with the less fortunate.
b. They build institutions: schools, libraries, hospitals,
churches.
c. They establish foundations for public service.
2. Something more precious than gold. 22:1
Need: What could be more precious than gold and silver? The
world considers money to be the top value. To get dollars people
are willing to cheat, steal, murder, bribe and gamble. The life
ambition of many is to become a millionaire. We are always
looking for investments that pay the highest returns. Of course,
we all need "bread" and the necessities and comforts of life. It
is carrying the need to the extreme where the sin begins. When is
enough enough? Our text tells us that there is a value far more
important than physical assets.
Outline: What is worth more than gold --
a. A good name -- v. 1.
b. Favor of God and people -- v. 1.
Lesson 2: James 2:1-10 (11-13), 14-17 (C)
1. A faith that cannot save. 2:14-17
Need: This title may shock people if it is publicized.
Protestants are sure that we are saved by faith alone. It depends
on what is meant by faith. James is writing about a faith
different from Paul's concept of faith. There is a kind of faith
that cannot save. Many pastors have a suspicion that some of
their members have the faith that cannot save. What kind of faith
is it?
Outline: The faith that cannot save --
a. A faith without works -- v. 14.
b. A faith that is dead -- v. 17.
2. A sacred conjunction: And. 2:18
Need: For centuries there has been a running battle between
faith and works. There have been two camps opposing each other on
which of the two can save a sinner. It is not a matter of one or
the other. It is both faith and works. This is not a medieval
Catholic teaching, but rather that faith produces work. Faith is
the source of works, but faith which does not produce is a dead
faith. This is what Jesus is saying in verse 18.
Outline: The key to the problem is "And."
a. Not by faith alone -- intellectual, academic, cerebral.
b. Not by works alone -- humanism, works, righteousness.
c. But by works And faith -- faith works through love.
3. Faith has no favorites! 2:1
Need: James calls our attention to a universal problem that
exists both in the world and in the church, except that it should
not be in the church because of our faith. The rich, powerful and
the popular are given special attention and privileges as VIPs.
The poor, humble, simple, plain people are ignored. While we can
tolerate it in the world, it is disgusting in the church. This
sermon is needed to help break down the partiality shown in our
churches.
Outline: Faith has no favorites because --
a. Faith sees a God of no partiality.
b. Faith sees all persons as equal before God.
c. Faith is expressed in love for all.
243
